Building Economic Power

Latino Capital Accelerator

Igniting Latino Prosperity

With the Latino Capital Accelerator, an innovative new program designed to address community demand for greater control over their economic futures, we are fueling the entrepreneurial spirit within Latino communities. This initiative expands access to capital for local communities, enhances the infrastructure of Latino and Latina-led nonprofits, empowering the organizations to chart their own economic paths. The Latino Capital Accelerator is an intensive, 18-month program, modeled after our Latino Nonprofit Accelerator, that is backed by national leaders to expand LCF’s Accelerator model to address wealth gaps in the Latino comunity. Our model provides organizations with the community, expertise, and funding necessary to effectively serve Latino entrepreneurs.

Creating Positive Change in Real-Time

The Latino Capital Accelerator takes vital steps to address the pressing concerns highlighted by our community, offering a holistic approach to overcoming the financial barriers that impact their economic advancement. Every participant receives a grant to support their certification or recertification as Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs). We couple this financial support with strategic consulting, marketing assistance, technical help, and a series of four cultural retreats to foster community, confidence, and collaboration.  

Every organization that completes our program brings us closer to our goal of economic equity and prosperity for all Latinos.  

Impact

The Latino Capital Accelerator addresses a pressing need in the community. With over five million Latino-owned businesses contributing $800 billion to the U.S. economy, capital access and infrastructure support are critical. Yet, Latinos still face systemic funding gaps. The Latino Capital Accelerator is here to close those gaps, allowing Latinas and Latinos to take charge of their economic futures, creating their own opportunities and pathways to capital.

$550K

Grantmaking Dollars

6

Latino-led CDFI’s

300

Latino business reached per year

85%

Latina Entrepreneurs Supported

Carmen Herrera-MansirCEO, El Pájaro Community Development Corporation
“The collective wisdom and shared experiences of this cohort will be invaluable, just like the communities that empower our entrepreneurs.”

Why You Should Donate

Latino Capital Accelerator is funded through our Latino Economic Opportunity Fund.  As an individual or an institution, when you invest in LCF, you’re reshaping the economic landscape of our nation.

Your donation empowers Latino and Latina-led organizations, nurtures a new generation of leaders, and contributes to an inclusive and prosperous economy.

How Latino Nonprofits Can Participate

Currently, participation in the Latino Capital Accelerator is by invitation only. However, we encourage Latino-led nonprofits seeking to expand their impact and leverage their potential to connect with us for future opportunities.

Grantmaking FAQ

Our funding drives impact, supports innovation, and helps build a more equitable future.

Eligibility

What types of organizations do you fund?
We currently only fund organizations that are recognized as a 501(c)3 public charity by the IRS or are fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)3 organization.

Do you fund individuals or for-profit organizations?
No, we do not provide grants to individuals or for-profit organizations. Our funding is dedicated to nonprofit organizations that meet our eligibility criteria.

How do I know if my organization is eligible for funding?
Eligibility requirements vary by grant program. Generally, your organization must be a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit, serve communities within our focus areas, and align with our funding priorities. Specific eligibility criteria can be found on each grant program’s page.

Funding Priorities

What are your priority funding areas?
Our funding priorities include civic engagement and economic justice within Latino communities. We seek to support programs that create measurable and sustainable impact in these areas.

What is LCF’s Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund?
LCF’s California Wildfire and Disaster Relief Fund provides rapid-response and recovery support to community-based organizations that are trusted by impacted communities, are led by strong leadership, and have the capacity to respond to the immediate needs of Latino and BIPOC families. With its community partners, LCF ensures Latino and immigrant families are not left in the shadows of relief and rebuilding efforts. By investing directly in trusted grassroots organizations, LCF ensures an equitable, community-driven approach to disaster relief and recovery.

Application Process

How can my organization apply for a grant?

The large majority of our grantmaking is by invitation only. We proactively identify and invite organizations that align with our funding priorities to apply for grants. If you believe your organization is a strong fit, you are welcome to complete an Organizational Profile with us to give us more insight into your organization. On the rare occasion we conduct an open RFP process, we will advertise that on our social media platforms.

When does LCF make grantmaking decisions?

LCF awards its grants year-round, on a rolling basis. If your organization is awarded a grant, a member of the team will contact you with information about next steps.

Grant Management & Reporting

What are the reporting requirements for grantees?
Reporting requirements vary by grant and are outlined in the grant agreement.

Who can I contact for further questions?
For additional inquiries, please email grants@latinocf.org